ARTIST BIO

ARTIST STATEMENT

Series: The Child Within

 I want to capture the essence of the ‘Wonder –Years’ …. those awkward, optimistic, invincible, energetic, fearless years.

 I want these paintings to be of today’s children, but to stir memories of our own childhood… that lovely limbo-land between innocence and awakening to the realities of the world…a snapshot of childhood caught between innocence and independence.

This Series is painted with one foot in the present, and one in the past!

 I believe art should enrich our lives, enhance our wellbeing, our homes, and our visual awareness.

In the past few years my work has moved away from traditional realism, to a more personal, stylized interpretative art.

 People often tell me that my paintings “make them smile.. and bring back so many happy memories."

I think that is because there is a degree of nostalgia, a hint of times past, in my work.

And I think it is this shared response to evocative memories that connects.

 I want to paint 'the essence of childhood'....

I want people to enjoy living with my art.

I believe art should be felt, as well as viewed!

Jo-Ann Hunt   May 2013

joannhuntstudio(at)gmail(dot)com

http://joannhunt.blogspot.com

BACKGROUND:

2001- Present   Full-time, professional Visual Artist, Melbourne, Victoria

Jo-Ann began her working life as an Art Teacher, (HDT SAC Melbourne State College annexe of University of Melbourne) but quickly realised her own creative voice would not be stifled.  Her free-wheeling journey began as Fashion Designer with iconic fashion label “The House of Merivale and Mr John”. From there it was a small leap into the costume departments of the Australian Opera Company in Sydney and The Melbourne Theatre Company. The next move slowed her pace for some 9 years, established as Head Designer with Coats Patons with her designs, colours and books sold in Australia and internationally. Moving to Thailand in 1995 with her young family gave her the impetus to return to her love of illustration and art, with commissions for magazines in Bangkok and Australia, and a range of prints for the interior design market. But it was the seemingly innocuous decision in 2001 to enter two local Art Shows, where she took out three prizes,that was the catalyst for her to confidently pursue her obsession full-time. An obsession with creating the painted image that still enslaves her today!

SELECTED EXHIBITIONS AND AWARDS:

• 2011,2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004 Art Melbourne
• 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003 Suburban312 Gallery Brighton
• 2012, 2011  Manyung Gallery Sorrento, Malvern, Mount Eliza
• 2012 Camberwell Art Show, Highly Commended
• 2011 Hartwell Art Show Best Acrylic
• 2010, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004 Art Sydney
• 2010, 2009 Pink Ladies Art Exhibition, Brighton
• 2011-2001 St Kevins Art Show
• 20010, 2009, 2008,  2004 Strathcona Art Show
• 2007 Art Brisbane
• 2004 Strathcona Art Show Highly Commend awarded by Paul Fitzgerald AO
• 2004 Xavier College Contemporary Art Exhibition
• 2004 Harmony Artworks Exhibition Highly Commended
• 2004 Ivanhoe GGS Art Exhibition Highly Commended
• 2001 Roberts Mc Cubbin Art Exhibition Featured Artist
• 2001 Chelsea Art Show Best Pastel and Honourable Mention, pastel
• 2001 St Kevins College Art Show Highly Commend awarded by Jon Dwyer, Director of Christies Fine Art

March 2012     

 joannhuntstudio(at)gmail(dot)com

http://joannhunt.blogspot.com